I was talking with someone the other day and they said they wanted to write a book. I asked them what was it about. "I don’t know, they replied, I just know I want to write one. The problem is that I’m not really an expert in anything!"

I’ve found that’s a common feeling. Mix it with imposter syndrome, fear of criticism or feeling like ‘I’m not a writer’ - whatever that means - and you have a powerful combo that block so many people from ever even starting their book. This is one of the reasons that while studies show 80 percent of people would love to write a book only 1% ever do.

Well, guess what? You don’t need to be a world-renowned authority to share your ideas with the world. In this post, I’m going to show you how you can write a compelling, impactful book in 2024, even if you’re not an expert. I’ll give you real world examples of bestsellers that use each of these strategies plus if you read to the end I’ve got a bonus for you! If you prefer to watch check out the Youtube video linked above or listen on the podcast.

1. Draw from Your Experience

You don't need a PhD to write a book if you've got real-life experiences others can learn from. Take Maya Angelou. She was relatively unknown when she wrote "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," covering themes of racism, identity, trauma, and resilience. She wasn't an expert in these themes but recounted her journey. This authenticity made her world-renowned. Think about your own life. What experiences can you share to teach or inspire others? Write about what you know from living through it. Your authenticity and personal touch will make your book stand out.

2. Conduct Expert Interviews

If you're not an expert, interview those who are! This approach adds credibility and provides diverse perspectives. Think about Tim Ferriss’s "Tools of Titans." He interviewed over 100 top performers and compiled their advice. Reach out to experts in your niche. You can conduct interviews over email, phone, or video. Their insights will enrich your content and boost your book's credibility.

3. Use Thorough Research

Dive into thorough research like Malcolm Gladwell did in "Outliers." He meticulously researched and compiled data to support his theories. Spend time researching your topic using books, academic papers, credible websites, and other resources. Synthesize this information and present it in an easy-to-understand way. One of the authors I'm coaching uses this strategy, mixing his story with researched data, and it's going to be an amazing book.

4. Focus on Your Unique Perspective

Your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Robert Kiyosaki wasn't a traditional financial expert, but his unique perspective on wealth-building in "Rich Dad Poor Dad" resonated with millions. What's your unique angle on your topic? Maybe you see things differently or have an unconventional approach. Highlight this in your book. Readers appreciate fresh, original perspectives that challenge the status quo.

5. Collaborate with Co-Authors

Collaborate with co-authors who have complementary expertise. This can be effective if you're passionate about a topic but feel you lack technical knowledge. "The One Minute Manager" by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson combined their strengths. Partner with someone who has expertise where you're less confident. This collaboration can enrich your book and boost its reach and sales.

Conclusion

So there you have it—five powerful strategies to write a book without being an expert. Remember, you don't need to be the world's foremost authority to make a significant impact with your book. 

And before you go, don’t forget to download my ultimate self-publishing checklist. It’s a step-by-step guide to successfully publishing your book on Amazon. Happy writing!